No separate scholarship application. No extra form. No separate deadline.
At King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, every admitted graduate student is automatically considered for the KAUST Scholarship. If you get in, the funding comes with it.
That’s not how most graduate scholarships work. And for students who’ve spent hours tracking down separate funding applications after receiving university offers, it’s a genuinely different experience.
Applications for both Spring and Fall 2027 entry are now open. One of those deadlines is closer than most applicants realize.
KAUST Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Programs | MS, MS/PhD Track, PhD, Postgraduate Diploma |
| Fellowship | Automatic for all admitted students |
| Application Fee | None |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0/4.0 (admitted students typically much higher) |
| Spring 2027 Deadline | 27 September 2026 (PhD only) |
| Fall 2027 Deadline | 3 January 2027 (MS, MS/PhD, PhD) |
What the Fellowship Covers
The KAUST Fellowship is among the most comprehensive graduate funding packages available anywhere in the world. It covers:
- Full tuition fees
- On-campus accommodation
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Return airfare
- Additional student benefits
Return airfare is the detail that surprises most applicants. Very few fully funded programs cover international flights in both directions. KAUST does.
There is also no application fee for graduate admission. Between the automatic fellowship consideration, the no-fee application, and the airfare coverage, the financial barrier to applying is essentially zero.
Also See: (KAUST) King Abdullah University Fellowship 2027 (Fully Funded)
Two Intakes, Two Very Different Timelines
KAUST admits students twice a year. The two intakes have different deadlines and different program availability.
Spring 2027 — PhD Only
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 27 September 2026 |
| Decisions Released | 8 November 2026 |
| Semester Starts | 17 January 2027 |
Spring admission is limited to PhD applicants only. With the deadline roughly eight weeks away, candidates targeting this intake need to move now.
Fall 2027 — All Programs
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 3 January 2027 |
| Decisions Released | 14 February 2027 |
| Semester Starts | 29 August 2027 |
Fall 2027 is open to Master’s, MS/PhD Track, and PhD applicants. The January deadline gives candidates significantly more preparation time, but that window closes faster than it appears when recommendation letters and English test scores are involved.
Programs Available
KAUST focuses exclusively on graduate education across science, engineering, and technology. Programs currently offered include:
- Computer Science
- Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics
- Bioengineering and Bioscience
- Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
- Earth Science and Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Marine Science
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plant Science
- Statistics
- Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
- Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
All programs are research-intensive. KAUST does not offer undergraduate degrees. Everyone on campus is a graduate researcher.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility follows a straightforward structure:
- Master’s programs:Â A relevant bachelor’s degree
- PhD programs:Â A relevant master’s degree (or bachelor’s for the MS/PhD Track)
- Academic record:Â Competitive GPA (minimum 3.0/4.0, though this is the floor rather than the target)
- English proficiency:Â Required, demonstrated through an accepted language test
One point worth being direct about: KAUST’s minimum GPA is 3.0, but admitted students are typically well above that. The minimum exists to screen applications, not to define what competitive looks like. If your GPA sits just above 3.0, a strong research background, an exceptional statement of purpose, and compelling references become even more important.
English language requirements apply across all programs. KAUST teaches and researches entirely in English.
Documents to Prepare
Start gathering these now, particularly if you’re targeting the September deadline:
- Academic transcripts (all degrees)
- CV or resume
- Statement of purpose
- Contact details for three referees
- English language test score
- Passport or national ID copy
The GPA Question — Honest Perspective
A 3.0 minimum GPA is stated. Admitted students are typically much more competitive.
This gap matters for applicants whose transcripts sit in the 3.0 to 3.3 range. A lower GPA doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but it means other parts of your application carry more weight: the quality of your research experience, the clarity of your research vision, the strength of your references, and how specifically your interests align with KAUST faculty.
If your academic record has a weak semester or two, address it directly in your statement of purpose rather than hoping reviewers won’t notice. Transparency combined with demonstrated growth is more persuasive than silence.
How to Apply for KAUST Scholarship
Applications are submitted through the official KAUST admissions portal. There is no application fee.
Select your intended intake carefully before starting:
- Spring 2027 (PhD only):Â Deadline 27 September 2026
- Fall 2027 (all programs):Â Deadline 3 January 2027
Once you submit, you’re automatically considered for the KAUST Fellowship. No separate form. No additional steps.